Oswego rallies around teen on quest to become Miss New York Teen USA

Brandy Ermini, of Oswego, will compete for Miss New York Teen USA later this month. Rosebudarts Photography

Oswego, NY -- Community members in Oswego are rallying around Brandy Ermini and her quest to become Miss New York Teen USA.

Ermini, 15, said she loves Oswego and is excited to represent her town in the upcoming pageant.

"I have so many people supporting me and it means so much to me to be able to represent Oswego," she said.

Ermini is the daughter of John and Rowena Ermini and is a freshman at Oswego High School. Ermini describes herself as the quiet girl that gets good grades and has a small group of friends, but she also loves to be the center of attention.

"I love to model," she said. "I love to have everyone's eyes on me."

Ermini was selected for the pageant after she submitted her photo and information last month. She said she was shocked and excited to be selected. The Miss New York Teen USA pageant will be held Jan. 17 to 19 in Harrison, near New York City.

"Brandy has always been very outgoing," her father, John Ermini, said. "Always willing to help people in any way she can. I'm very proud of my daughter."

Ermini wants to pursue a career in law enforcement after she graduates from high school.

"I want to give back to my community, to help and protect those that are in it," she said.

Brandy's platform for the pageant will be on bullying.

"Bullying is something I have seen first hand and it troubles me how much I have personally witnessed it," she said. "I'm very excited to voice my concerns and do what I can to help stop this very needless and senseless behavior."

Ermini, her family and her friends have been fundraising, selling raffle tickets and planning a benefit to pay for the expenses related to the pageant. Several Oswego businesses and community members have sponsored Ermini. A benefit will be held Sunday to raise more money.